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Second APD officer killed in helicopter crash to be laid to rest

Funeral for officer Honor Guards from several law enforcement agencies including Atlanta Police, Dekalb Police, MARTA police and others stand at attention as APD officers enter the church. (KENT D. JOHNSON/ kdjohnson@ajc.com)

After an emotional service for a fallen officer on Friday, friends, family and fellow officers will go through the same thing today as the second Atlanta police  officer killed in that helicopter crash will be laid to rest.

Services for Officer Shawn Smiley are at 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Atlanta.

Officer Smiley joined the force two years ago. He became a tactical flight officer this year.

Smiley and Officer Richard Halford were searching for a missing 9-year-old boy last weekend when their helicopter crashed in west Atlanta. The boy was later found safe.

A memorial service was held for Officer Smiley last night, just a few hours after an emotional funeral for his partner.

Smiley is survived by his wife, three young children and his parents.

"I just prayed with his mother in there," Min. Gloria Cook told Channel 2 Action News. "I'm praying that God will give her strength."

Officers from around the country and even Canada have come to Atlanta two attend the memorials and funerals.

On Friday, a motorcade of officers lined up at Turner Field for a procession to Jackson Memorial Baptist Church for the funeral of Halford.

A similar procession is expected today for Officer Smiley.



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